The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED VR II is a constant f/4 telephoto zoom for Nikon F-mount DSLRs, covering 200–400mm with built-in VR II image stabilisation, a Silent Wave Motor autofocus drive, and a 52mm drop-in filter slot — making it a serious tool for sports and wildlife photographers who need reach, speed, and optical quality in one package.
Key Specifications
- Focal length: 200–400mm (telephoto zoom)
- Maximum aperture: f/4 constant throughout the zoom range
- Minimum aperture: f/32
- Lens mount: Nikon F
- Image stabilisation: VR II (Vibration Reduction)
- Autofocus motor: SWM (Silent Wave Motor)
- Minimum focus distance: 2 metres
- Drop-in filter diameter: 52mm
- Aperture blades: 9
- Weight: 3,400g
Who is the Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4 VR II for?
This lens is built for photographers who spend their days tracking fast-moving subjects at distance — think wildlife on safari, birds in flight, motorsport, or sideline sports coverage. The constant f/4 aperture means you keep your shutter speed and exposure predictable whether you're at 200mm or fully extended to 400mm, which matters enormously when the light drops or your subject is moving fast. VR II stabilisation helps when you're handholding — though at 3.4kg you'll usually want a monopod or gimbal head for extended shoots. The SWM autofocus drive is fast and near-silent, which is a genuine advantage around skittish wildlife. If you shoot Nikon F-mount bodies like the Nikon D500, D800-series, or D850, this lens pairs well and gives you a flexible zoom range that fixed supertelephotos can't match. Photographers who also use a 1.4x teleconverter can extend reach to 560mm while keeping autofocus functional on compatible bodies. For those who have already moved to Nikon Z-mount, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is the native mirrorless alternative worth considering, though the 200-400 VR II retains a full-stop aperture advantage at the wide end.
Buying a used Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR II
Picking up this lens second-hand makes a lot of sense given its price bracket — it's a heavy investment new, and a pre-owned copy that has been professionally inspected and graded gives you the same optical performance at a more accessible entry point. When buying used, check that VR II engages smoothly (listen for the characteristic stabilisation hum), that the zoom ring turns without resistance or stickiness, and that the drop-in filter holder is undamaged. Every used lens on Camera-tweedehands.nl is individually photographed and comes with a minimum 12 months warranty and 14 days right of return, so you're covered if anything surfaces after purchase.
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